Deputy Prime Minister’s discussion with his Excellency Abdelilah Benkirane, Head of Government, Morocco

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg spoke to Abdelilah Benkirane, Head of Government in Morocco, to express his support for the newly elected government.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said:

“The last twelve months have witnessed unprecedented change in North Africa. Today I spoke to Abdelilah Benkirane to discuss Morocco’s internal reforms and the opportunities and challenges faced by the newly elected government.

I made clear the UK’s support, both bilaterally and through the EU, for Morocco’s plans for political and economic reform, as well as underlining the UK’s support for the implementation of constitutional reform and its application to minority rights. Through the Arab Partnership Fund, we are assisting the Moroccan government in their efforts to increase rates of political participation and target corruption in public life.

We also discussed the ongoing unrest throughout the Middle East and North Africa region including the situation in Syria as well as the importance the UK attaches to a more integrated North Africa for the long-term security and prosperity of the region.”